Chapter 47: Peace at Last

Life is definitely unpredictable.

It’s strange how life works. One day, I’d think that things will go as usual, and then the next, something can happen out of the blue that causes everything to change - this usually happens when we least expect it. I’ve experienced this way too many times before. I’d often think to myself that “it was just meant to be” or “the stars must have been aligned for that to happen.”

This is what I felt as I stared at the advertisement that I made to post on social media.

Who knew that I’d decide to work as a freelance makeup and hair stylist? I’ve always worked under a company - I needed that sense of security that I would be able to make enough money for survival. However, Arthur’s decision to expand Williams, Inc. sparked something within me.

Suddenly, I was willing to take the risk.

I was willing to pursue my dreams on my own terms. For once, I would be my own boss. I was no longer bound to a contract or a slave to my boss’ demands. I am free to do whatever I want.

Was I really ready for this?

“Hell yeah, I am.” I muttered to myself triumphantly before I pressed the “publish” button, finally posting the poster I made. I quickly shared this on other social media sites as well, hoping that other people would make an appointment soon.

Life has really been great for Arthur and I so far ever since Kevin has stopped harassing me. I was receiving overwhelming support from thousands of people online everyday. The movement that I have started has continued and a lot of news outlets have reached out to interview me. Arthur has been preparing for the expansion of Williams, Inc. while I have decided to really continue my dreams and try something new. The both of us have decided to take extremely big risks in terms of career but for once, I was no longer anxious or afraid of the unpredictability of the future.

I felt confident and safe as long as Arthur was here beside me.

Meanwhile, things have not been going too well for Kevin. When he didn’t respond to my video that debunked the statement he made and the video he posted online, people started to constantly send him hate everyday. The backlash was immense until the point some were even protesting in front of KB Studios to force him to resign. His projects were left unfinished because most of his sponsors had pulled out because they didn't want to be associated with him and the company and the stocks of his company quickly crashed after.

I felt a pair of large hands massage my shoulders. “What are you up to, beautiful?” Arthur whispered sensually to my ear. I resisted the urge to moan as his gesture made me shiver. I closed my eyes, trying to calm my beating heart.

I cleared my throat to answer him. “I was just staring at my website.” I muttered softly as I turned to face him. I moved aside to show him the contents of the one I made. “What do you think?” I asked him, turning around to see his reaction.

He navigated his way through the whole page, checking everything. He put a hand on his chin as if he was thinking deeply and turned to me. “Well…” His facial expression looked unsure. I felt nervous all of a sudden. What if he doesn’t like it? I gulped as I waited for his answer. “I love it!” He cheerily said and kissed me abruptly.

My mind went blank. What did he just say? Did I hear it correctly? “What was that again?” I asked again, trying to make sure I understood correctly.

He slowly reiterated the words again. “I love it.” He grinned from ear to ear. I stood up to hit his arms. He really loves teasing me like this. He just laughed at me.

“I hate you!” I pouted at him. He cupped my face and brought my face near him to plant a soft kiss on my lips. I held back the smile that was trying to creep to my mouth.

“I beg to disagree. You love me.” He kissed me again. This time I couldn’t help but smile at his cute gesture. I nodded at him and gave him a small peck on his cheek. Who would have thought that the intimidating CEO I once knew could be this adorable? I gestured to him to go back to bed and turned away from him to close my laptop.

“Anyway, have you seen the news about KB Studios?” I muttered curiously as I made my way beside him.

“Yeah, Kevin already resigned this morning.” He responded nonchalantly with a shrug as he engulfed me in a warm embrace. My eyes suddenly widened with this new information.

“What? Really?” Surprise was clearly evident in my voice as I asked him. I was taken aback by this sudden news. Knowing Kevin’s prideful self, the backlash must be too intense for him to handle. I got so busy with setting up with my new website that I didn’t have time to check the latest updates on him.

“Yep, check your phone.” He grabbed my phone from the bedside table and handed it over to me. I searched for Kevin’s resignation on the internet. I read a couple of news articles containing his statement and KB Studios’ statement regarding his departure from the company.

As the saying goes, what goes around comes around. It made me feel triumphant that Kevin finally got what he deserved. A smile crept my lips as I thought about downfall. Despite the hardships I faced because of him, everything was worth it.

I turned off my phone and looked up at him. “Finally, Kevin’s out of the picture.” I told Arthur as I planted a small kiss on his lips and snuggled closer to him. His hug tightened as he gently kissed the crown of my head.

“We can now focus on ourselves and our future together.” He whispered happily as a quiet contentment spread through the both of us. The silence that filled the room immediately after was not awkward or tense but very comforting. The both of us are just glad that it’s finally over.

I closed my eyes and recalled everything that had happened. Looking back at the hardships I had to overcome, I felt proud of myself for how far I have come. I owe my growth to myself, Ellie, Ralph and Arthur. If it was not for them, I don’t think I would have made all of these decisions by myself. I murmured a small thanks to Arthur before drifting myself to sleep.

I’m looking forward to my new start with Arthur.